Posts Tagged ‘ghosts’

Halloween is oftentimes associated with all things that go bump in the night. Whether it’s a sudden chill up and down your spine, misplaced objects around the house, or odd creaks and whispers through the rooms, most people like a good, otherworldly thrill. If you’re one of these people, then you just might enjoy a stay in one of our haunted B&Bs:

Black Horse Inn in Warrenton, VA boasts not one, but FOUR ghosts on the premises, and with its history as a Civil War hospital, one can see how it could be haunted by the past. The first ghost is a woman believed to have been a Civil War nurse in the hospital, and she has been known to laugh in the ears of gentlemen, perhaps trying to comfort them as she did her patients. The second ghost leaves an impression on the bed in the Burgundy Room every once in a while. The third, the “Ghost of Christmas,” knocked over the Christmas tree three years in a row, breaking all of the ornaments every time. And finally, the fourth ghost is called “the Dancer,” because of the lively tapping heard at night at the top of the staircase. (Thanks to BedandBreakfast.com for this collection of ghost stories from Black Horse Inn.)

Mayhurst Inn in Orange, VA dates back to 1859, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a historic figure or two would still be roaming the grounds: “folks have reported some strange happenings. There is a general feeling of being watched, and in the Madison Room, some have found the windows to open by themselves” (hauntedplaces.org). The inn was also featured in Virginia Lifestyle Magazine’s article “Haunted Places to Read About…and Visit.”

Boxwood Inn in Newport News, VA offers up some paranormal activity of its own: “The gentle spirit here is said to be one of Nannie Curtis. Harmless activity is the norm, such as doors opening and closing on their own. She is also said to enjoy knocking on doors in the morning. Sleeping in is apparently not her idea of fun for this world. There is also an elderly gentleman, holding a cane, who appears on occasion” (VirginiaGhosts.com).

Think these B&Bs are haunted? Make a reservation, and find out for yourself!

Along with a drop in the temperature, the changes in the leaves, and the revival of the pumpkin spice latte, October also heralds Halloween. If you’re not planning to attend a costume party or hand out treats to the neighborhood kids, then perhaps you would enjoy exploring some of the supposedly haunted areas of Virginia:

Bridgewater College- The ghost of Mr. Cole, after whom Cole Hall was named, is said to appear in the balcony of the theater during certain performances. Some claim to have felt chilly spots in the balcony, and it is said that sometimes the lights flicker oddly after a production has concluded. Besides the ghost of Mr. Cole, others have claimed to feel cold and to hear splashing near the river where a student was said to have drowned. One investigation of Cole Hall did attempt to disprove these claims, but perhaps Mr. Cole simply decided not to make an appearance that day.

Pocahontas Parkway– This area was once home to Native Americans, and they are now said to haunt the area. Individuals have witnessed the sounds of chanting and drumming, and a few have even claimed to have seen the ghostly figures of the natives who once lived here.

Matthew Whaley Elementary School, Williamsburg- This school is said to be haunted by two young boys. Some say that both are the spirits of slaves who died there, but the more commonly accepted theory is that one of the ghosts is nine-year old Matthew Whaley himself, while the other is a slave boy who had died around the same time.

Round Tree Park, Annandale, VA- Witnesses around this area have claimed to be tormented by the ghost of a woman, holding a baby. It is said that she is almost always preceded by a heavy fog.

If you do plan to explore some of these areas, make certain you are allowed on the property, and also make sure to have a companion with you. Most importantly, be safe!

For more information about ghosts and hauntings in Virginia, check out the Center for Paranormal Research and Investigation.